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TEAR OUT SUPPORT THE FLOOR JOISTS WITH WEDGES Floor joist Cut toenail with reciprocating saw. en between the joist tail and mudsill relieves pressure and makes installing the wedges easier. A reciprocating saw and metal-cutting blade are perfect for cutting the old toenails. A Opposing wedges, driven with a hammer, raise floor joist. Wedges bear on foundation. Saw through the mudsill at 2-ft. to 4-ft. intervals to make removal easier. One more cut made on each side of each foundation bolt will allow the mudsill to slide out while the bolts remain intact. The weight of the house is transferred from the floor joists to the mudsill and then down to the foundation, so the joists must be supported properly while I cut and remove the damaged mudsill. flat bar drivREP LAC NEW SI LLS REQUIRE BOLT SLOTS AND A BEVEL CUT Because the pressure-treated lumber that I'm installing for the lower plate of the new mudsill is slightly thicker than the dried-out lumber that was removed, I raise the floor joists slightly with a hydraulic jack, then tighten up the wedges. A 2x4 block spreads the load from the jack. A scrap of 2x lumber is used to gauge the space needed between the lower mudsill and the floor joist. Be careful: Lifting too high may crack tile floors or shift door jambs. 64 FINE HOMEBUILDING Wedges Metal plate reinforces notch in mudsi/l. Pressure-treated lower mudsill Construction adhesive Coax in the mudsill with a framing hammer or sledgehammer. The slots for foundation bolts leave a weak spot where the plate can crack either side is driven in unevenly.